So The Killing (US) is back. With series two premiering on Channel 4 last night, we sat down with its star, Jamie Anne Allman – known for her blink-and-you’ll-miss-it rise to fame alongside Ryan Gosling in The Notebook – to talk all things “Terry Marek”.

When did you know you wanted to be an actress?

I didn’t have an epiphany moment of wanting to become an actress. Growing up, I was constantly entertaining my family and friends. I had thought about acting some but, growing up in KS it seemed unattainable. After graduating high school, I moved to Orange County CA with my mum and other family. She suggested that I try acting classes. So, I moved to Los Angeles and started taking classes at Playhouse West. Once I studied for a while I realised that the craft of acting brought me joy and I wanted to keep pursuing it. I’ve been pursuing it ever since.

Where did you go from there? What was your first project?

My first job was a guest star on a pilot called “The Beast” playing an anorexic movie star. The show was never picked up. My first job that aired was a guest star on a show called “The Fugitive” playing a Parkinsons patient.

You moved to LA and have lived there since. Was it an intimidating place to start with? What are your feelings about it now?

When I first moved to LA I was in awe by the mix of culture and foods. I didn’t drive on the freeway for months. I grew up around highways. I just jumped in and learned the ropes. I love Los Angeles. The weather is beautiful. Most people here are creating something and dreaming. It’s contagious and inspiring.

Was it intimidating working alongside the likes of Ryam Gosling and Rachel McAdams in The Notebook? What did you take away from the experience?

I felt like I was in a bubble working on The Notebook. I had no idea what I was a part of while shooting. I’m so grateful to have been a part of a movie that is still adored to this day. It was my first movie so I was really confused by everything being so much bigger than TV. Working with Ryan Gosling and Nick Cassavetes is the complete opposite of intimidating. Ryan is very down to earth, cool, and hilarious! We laughed a lot! I’m looking forward to the day that I work with him again.

What do you enjoy most about your role as Terry Marek in The Killing? Were you a fan of the original series before being cast? Why?

I really enjoy the role of Terry Marek. She’s such a selfless, vulnerable character willing to hide behind humour for the sake of others. I’m a big fan of Forbrydelsen. I watched the show before I started shooting The Killing and I was completely captivated by the performances. Also, the music that they used towards the end of the episodes when the montage starts was my favourite. It was exciting to have Sofie Grabol make an appearance on The Killing. She’s incredible as Sarah Lund.

Words: Jack Mills